What is a learning disability?

If your child seems bright and curious about the world but has a noticeable problem with speech, reading, or arithmetic, he may have a learning disability. Learning disabilities include a spectrum of disorders that affect the way the brain processes information and make it difficult to grasp certain concepts. They can be mild or severe.

Children with learning disabilities usually have normal or above normal intelligence but struggle with some kinds of learning. Recognizing individual letters might be easy but putting them together to read may be confusing. Tying shoes or fitting together the pieces of a puzzle may be perplexing, or simple math insurmountable.

Because children with learning disabilities have such a hard time mastering certain tasks, they are often frustrated, angry, or depressed, and they may have a poor image of themselves. Children with learning disabilities may know just what they want to accomplish, what they want to say or write or do, but can't find a straightforward path to do it.

What causes learning disabilities?

Most experts believe learning disabilities are the result of subtle neurological problems affecting the way the brain receives, interprets, and sends information. Scientists don't clearly understand their cause, but many believe they are related to small abnormalities in the way the brain develops. They appear to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. They also may result from a mother's alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy or serious problems during labor and delivery.

How common are learning disabilities?

It's hard to say exactly, because diagnosing learning disabilities is highly controversial. Many experts say the problem is over-diagnosed, and that only extreme cases should have a formal diagnosis. They argue that no brain functions perfectly, that kids learn at different rates, and that many problems resolve on their own over time. Others, however, believe that even subtle learning problems are worth flagging at an early age so that the child can get special help. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 2.7 million school-age children — roughly 6 percent of all school-age children — have a learning disability. A child can have one kind of disability or a combination of several. Because diagnosing a learning disability is tricky, if you're worried about your own child, get several opinions before taking action.

What are the most common learning disabilities, and how do you spot them?

Learning disabilities are usually grouped into three categories: speech or language disorders; problems with skills such as reading, writing, and math; and a range of disorders that don't fit any of these categories, such as difficulties with coordination, motor skills, or memory.

Sometimes a child clearly has one kind of disability, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia — disorders that impair reading and math abilities, respectively. But it's also common for children to suffer from a combination of different disorders.

It's fairly common for kids with learning disabilities to have trouble following directions, staying still, and sticking to specific tasks. They may also be physically awkward, prone to tripping or bumping into things.

Many people confuse attention deficit disorders with learning disorders. But attention disorders, marked by being easily distracted and fidgety, are not learning disabilities. They are a separate problem, also linked to subtle abnormalities in the brain. There is, however, some overlap in the two. An estimated 25 to 35 percent of children with learning disorders also have attention deficit disorders.

How and when are most children with learning disabilities diagnosed?

Learning disabilities are often detected in the first years of school, as a child learns to talk, read, and write. Teachers are often the first to notice a problem. But a real diagnosis requires a formal evaluation by a specialist, preferably a pediatric psychologist, neurodevelopmental pediatrician, or psychiatrist with expertise in the field. These evaluations usually aren't made until a child is 5 to 7 years old and are repeated as the child gets older. Schools or doctors usually refer children for a diagnosis. Even if you notice a problem sooner, specialists generally agree that it's impossible to draw firm conclusions from preschoolers, because learning styles and speeds are so varied in the early years.

Once my child has been diagnosed, how can I help him?

After an official diagnosis has been made, children with learning disabilities are usually eligible for free special education programs through the public schools, according to state and federal disability laws. This might include speech, physical, and occupational therapy (to improve motor skills). There are special private schools for children with learning disabilities, but these can be expensive.

Learning disabilities are permanent and don't go away. But much can be done to help a child compensate for the disability and learn to work around the problem. Many schools and educators have developed special teaching methods and curriculums tapered to a child's needs. Children with learning disabilities can and do learn.

It's also crucial to address the emotional or psychological needs of your child. Children with learning disabilities commonly feel "dumb" or clumsy or prone to failure. Many parents, teachers, and specialists agree that it's important to emphasize a child's strengths and to try not to focus too much on the problem. All children have natural talents and abilities. A child who has trouble learning to read may be great at drawing, making up poems, doing science experiments, or kicking a ball. Children with learning disabilities need extra self-esteem boosters, praise for their abilities, and opportunities to shine.

Raising a child with a learning problem is stressful. It can take a toll on parents and other siblings, who may be jealous of the extra attention the child receives. Many families find help through support groups or counseling. Numerous organizations offer a range of assistance for dealing with learning disabilities, from educational information to online chat rooms to referrals for counseling. Your county social service agency, school district, or doctor should be able to provide a list of reliable organizations.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.